npr.org
Laid" and "Going Dutch": Two New Comedies Offer Contrasting Takes on Television
Peacock's "Laid" stars Stephanie Hsu as a woman whose ex-boyfriends mysteriously die, while Fox's "Going Dutch" features Denis Leary as a colonel clashing with his daughter at a Dutch military base; both are new comedies for 2025.
- What insights do these two series offer about the current state of television comedy and its future trajectory?
- The contrasting success of "Laid" and "Going Dutch" could signal a shift in audience preferences, with streaming services prioritizing unique, high-concept comedies and network television relying on established comedic actors. The long-term impact remains uncertain, but these shows offer insight into evolving TV trends.
- What are the key differences in premise, setting, and potential appeal of the two new comedy series, "Laid" and "Going Dutch"?
- Peacock is streaming "Laid," a darkly comedic series starring Stephanie Hsu, where her character discovers her ex-boyfriends are dying mysteriously. Fox presents "Going Dutch," a new sitcom starring Denis Leary as a colonel reassigned to a Dutch military base, now under his estranged daughter's command.
- How do the shows' origins (international adaptation versus traditional network production) impact their narrative structures and comedic styles?
- Both shows highlight interesting trends in television: "Laid" exemplifies the increasing adaptation of international formats, while "Going Dutch" represents a traditional network comedy. The success of each will depend on audience reception to their unique premises and comedic styles.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review gives more detailed and enthusiastic coverage to "Laid," praising its originality, Stephanie Hsu's performance, and the show's comedic elements. "Going Dutch," in contrast, receives a more reserved and less detailed assessment, suggesting a preference or bias towards "Laid." The placement of "Laid" at the beginning and the extensive description of its plot and positive critical assessment compared to the limited information about "Going Dutch" may influence the audience's perception of each show's merit.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. The reviewer uses positive adjectives to describe aspects of "Laid" such as "original," "hilarious," and "witty." However, this positive language is mostly focused on the creative aspects of the show and the performance of the actress, and does not reflect bias.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses primarily on two shows, "Laid" and "Going Dutch." While mentioning other shows like "Squid Game 2," "The Agency," and "Doc," it omits detailed analysis or critical assessment of these, potentially neglecting diverse perspectives on the current television landscape. This omission could limit the audience's understanding of broader trends in television programming. However, given the limited time and space constraints of a radio review, this level of omission is understandable and might not constitute intentional bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The show "Laid" features a diverse cast and explores themes of relationships and societal expectations, indirectly promoting inclusivity and challenging gender stereotypes. The mention of international shows being adapted for American audiences also highlights the global exchange of ideas and potential for cross-cultural understanding, contributing to a more equitable media landscape.